Global Feminist Autoethnographies During COVID-19 by unknow

Author:unknow
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Gender Studies, Feminism & Feminist Theory
ISBN: 9781800711723
Publisher: Emerald Publishing Limited
Published: 2021-09-17T04:00:00+00:00

Conclusion: some takeaway lessons and what comes next?

Despite my grit and passion for my work and family, this has been one of the most challenging periods in my personal and professional life. I can only work successfully from home if that time-space does not also encapsulate the demands of being a mother. I experienced a level of stress that I could never have imagined earlier. I recognize I got through this period, partly because of my grit but also because of my privilege that my family’s basic needs are met, and we can afford “extras,” and that I have a solid Internet connection to carry out so much of my work that has taken shape in the virtual spectrum. This past August 2020, devastation from Tropical Storm Isaias almost hindered the 2020 Virtual Summer Meeting as the majority of the State of Connecticut, but not my home office, lost electricity, and Internet. This experience reminded me to be grateful for the tools I have access to and solidified my drive to continue to assist those whose misfortunes and challenges are far more significant than I will ever experience.

My recognition of my privileged space and platform to act, to raise awareness of social justice issues, and to contribute to my community, fuels my determination to continue my work across family, professional, and community spaces. I have taken on more professional responsibilities that relate to the issue of racial justice. I was recently invited to serve as one of the nine members on the Glastonbury Commission on Racial Justice and Equity. After the Town of Glastonbury declared racism a public health issue and resolved to form a commission, I stepped forward to volunteer my expertise in the development of a public survey on racism in my town.

Overtime, my mothering work and my paid work have diverged in space and time, making the balance more manageable. As my sons returned to school, I have volunteered to serve as room parent for both of my sons’ First Grade classes. I know that there are considerable challenges that all teachers are facing right now as they educate our children all while keeping them safe and comfortable. Teachers who are physically in school are encumbered by protective policies causing them to rethink celebrations and educational programming that were commonplace in the pre-COVID elementary school setting. To me, this was one small gesture of how I could give back and help coordinate efforts to show some relief for the teachers through organized parent appreciation.

Having traversed this journey of intensive mothering and ideal worker for months, in the same space and at the same time, I have learned to try to separate these worlds to some extent. The lessons I have learned and offer to others is to reflect on our needs, limitations, and possibilities for supporting others. We need to unapologetically get through these times as best we can; we need to forgive ourselves for not being superhuman. Perhaps we can find some outlets to even laugh

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